The Inspectorate of Factories and Boilers, Government of Goa, organized a comprehensive two-day training programme on health and safety for employees in Verna, held across two phases on February 16 and 17, and again on February 23 and 24. The initiative was designed to enhance awareness and understanding of occupational health and safety, while encouraging the adoption of safer practices within industrial and workplace environments.
The training sessions were conducted by experienced faculty members Govind Lotlikar, Suresh Sabnis, and A. A. Dsouza, who brought their expertise to the programme through detailed presentations and interactive discussions. The sessions covered key aspects of workplace safety, including hazard identification, risk management, and the importance of maintaining a proactive approach to health and safety in daily operations.
Employees who attended the programme actively participated in the sessions, contributing to discussions and gaining valuable insights into maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. The interactive nature of the training ensured that participants could engage with real-world scenarios and better understand the practical application of safety measures.
The initiative reflects the department’s continued commitment to strengthening workplace safety standards across Goa. By equipping employees with the necessary knowledge and tools, the training programme aimed to build a culture where safety is prioritized and integrated into everyday practices.
Such efforts play a crucial role in fostering responsible work environments, reducing risks, and ensuring the well-being of employees. The programme in Verna stands as a step forward in reinforcing the importance of occupational health and safety and encouraging organizations to adopt a more safety-conscious approach in their operations.
Vedanta Sesa Goa Iron Ore Goa (IOG) inaugurated the 42nd Annual Mines Safety Week 2025–26 at Block 1 of its Bicholim Mines under the aegis of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Goa Region, and the Mines Safety & Productivity Council (MSPC). The week-long observance will focus on reinforcing safety measures, regulatory compliance and behavioural safety across mining operations, in line with the company’s ‘Safety is Us’ philosophy.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials from DGMS and MSPC, with Mr. Ramesh Walikar, Director of Mines Safety, West Zone, Goa Region, gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, and Mr. Deepak Chandramukhi, Deputy Director of Mines Safety, West Zone, as Guest of Honour. Other dignitaries present included Mr. Dhiraj Kumar Jagdish, Vice President, Mines Safety & Productivity Council and Nominated Owner of Bicholim Mine; Mr. Sandeep Morajkar, Secretary, Mines Safety & Productivity Council; and Mr. Santosh Mandrekar, Agent, Bicholim Mines.
The programme commenced with a ceremonial flag hoisting followed by a safety oath-taking ceremony, symbolising the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in ensuring a safe and secure working environment. The proceedings continued with Deep Prajwalan and the National Anthem, formally marking the inauguration of Mines Safety Week.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ramesh Walikar emphasised the importance of Mines Safety Week as a key platform to reinforce safe mining practices and regulatory awareness. He noted that the regional observance would see participation from over 50 mines across Sindhudurg, Goa, Kolhapur and Ratnagiri, covering iron ore, silica and bauxite mines as well as stone quarries. He highlighted that sustained safety performance depends on strong leadership, strict adherence to statutory provisions, continuous capacity building and the active involvement of every individual working in the mining ecosystem. He also underscored the need for focused awareness on new labour codes to ensure compliance and safeguard workforce welfare.
Mr. Deepak Chandramukhi, Deputy Director of Mines Safety, highlighted the dynamic nature of mining safety and the importance of continuous vigilance. He stated that proactive hazard identification, timely corrective actions and consistent compliance with safety standards are essential to achieving zero harm, and that initiatives like Mines Safety Week play a crucial role in embedding safe work practices at all levels.
Speaking on behalf of Vedanta Sesa Goa, Mr. Dhiraj Kumar Jagdish reiterated the company’s unwavering commitment to safety. He said that safety is deeply embedded in Vedanta’s operational philosophy and decision-making processes, and that the ‘Safety is Us’ approach reflects the belief that safety begins with individual responsibility and is strengthened through collective ownership. Through Mines Safety Week, the company aims to further promote behavioural safety and ensure that every employee returns home safely at the end of each working day.
A key highlight of the inauguration was the flagging off of the Safety Publicity and Propaganda Vehicle, an outreach initiative designed to extend safety awareness beyond mine premises. The vehicle will travel across mining clusters and surrounding areas during the week, disseminating critical safety messages through audio-visual aids, posters and interactive communication. The initiative aims to reach employees, contract workers and local stakeholders, reinforcing statutory safety practices and encouraging safe behaviour across the wider mining ecosystem.
The ceremony concluded with a plantation drive undertaken by the dignitaries, reflecting Vedanta Sesa Goa’s integrated approach to safety, sustainability and responsible mining. The 42nd Annual Mines Safety Week 2025–26 will feature a series of safety awareness programmes, training sessions and employee engagement initiatives aimed at strengthening safe work practices and promoting a culture of zero harm across the company’s mining operations.
Vedanta Sesa Goa’s Value-Added Business (VAB) has been recognised for its commitment to Occupational Safety & Health (OSH), winning the International Safety Award 2025 in the ‘Merit’ category by the British Safety Council. The award acknowledges organisations that demonstrate outstanding initiatives to protect the health, safety, and well-being of their workforce. VAB was honoured for fostering a proactive safety culture and implementing systems that drive continuous improvement.
Being one of the most prominent industrial installations in Goa, and employing over 1200 personnel, Vedanta VAB has been continuously adopting advanced risk assessment frameworks and digital monitoring tools to strengthen workplace safety. As part of the holistic approach to OSH, comprehensive training modules and safety drills are conducted regularly to build awareness and readiness among employees. Under its ‘Safety is Us’ initiative, VAB runs structured awareness campaigns for its employees as well as the communities, aimed at developing a culture of safety which is premised on the commitment to ‘Zero Harm’.
Speaking on this achievement, Saptesh Sardesai, CEO- VAB, said, “This recognition by the British Safety Council is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering a world-class safety culture. At VAB, we prioritize the well-being of our employees and business partners, ensuring a Zero Harm workplace through continuous innovation, training, and best-in-class safety practices. This achievement motivates us to further strengthen our safety framework and set new industry benchmarks.” Vedanta VAB recently also observed the 54th National Safety Week, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to health and safety excellence.
The award reinforces VAB’s vision of setting new industry benchmarks and embedding safety excellence across all levels of operation.
Vedanta Sesa Goa, marked the 54th National Safety Week (NSW) with a series of impactful activities aimed at further strengthening its safety protocols & commitment to conduct safe & responsible operations. The seven-day commemoration of the 54th NSW was held as part of the ‘Safety is Us’ initiative of the Company, which aims to render workplace safety inviolable through enhanced consciousness & a sense of collective responsibility.
The theme for this year’s NSW – “Safety & Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat” – underscores the importance of safety and well-being in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation. Throughout the week, several awareness sessions, safety demonstrations, safety drills, and interactive quizzes are planned to educate employees and business partners about safety best practices. The safety pledge, taken on the inaugural day, reinforced Vedanta’s focus on ensuring a safe and secure work environment for all. On the occasion, Mr. Navin Jaju, CEO of Sesa Goa, Vedanta Limited, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering a safety-first culture, stating, “At Sesa Goa, we are proud of our safety focus & we go by the concept of ‘Safety is Us’, where it is adhered to and implemented as a way of our regular functioning & through collective responsibility. I firmly believe that a proactive mindset, collective participation, adherence to protocols, onboarding technology, prompt reporting & recording & an ability to continuously assess our processes, will ensure that the workplace is always safe & secure. Let us continue to build a workplace where safety is ingrained in everything we do, contributing to the aims of #Viksit Bharat.”
Speaking on Vedanta VAB’s proactive safety initiatives, Mr. Saptesh Sardesai, CEO – VAB & Cement, stated,” At Vedanta VAB, safety is at the core of our business philosophy. We are constantly working towards strengthening our safety framework to set new industry benchmarks through innovation, robust safety audits and mock drills and Critical Risk Management. We are currently focused on digital interventions with artificial intelligence (AI tools), only to reduce man-machine interaction & create a safe workplace. We are fully committed to upholding the highest safety standards at our workplace and extending this culture of safety and care to our community as well.” Sagar Parabh, Mechanical Fitter, VAB, expressed his thoughts saying “At Vedanta Sesa Goa, safety is not just about rules; it’s about going home to our families every day. National Safety Week reminded us that every small action—wearing protective gear, following procedures, and looking out for each other—makes a difference. The hands-on drills and real-life safety scenarios were eye-opening, making us feel more prepared and confident. There is a robust system of feedback which ensures that safety protocols are adhered to. Knowing that our well-being is a priority gives me and my team the motivation to work responsibly every day.” Vedanta Sesa Goa has operations spread across five states and has been regularly upgrading its safety protocols to ensure that operations are conducted in a safe & responsible manner. It has recently inducted AI cameras, Slope Safety Radars and specially curated software’s to improve upon the implementation & reporting of safety protocols. The company continues to integrate cutting-edge safety measures and digital interventions to enhance safety performance and build a culture where safety is a shared responsibility.
